More local authorities to impose 20mph speed limit

New figures show more than a third of local authorities have introduced measures to stop motorists exceeding 20mph on some roads, or are planning to do so.

Of the 75 local authorities that responded to a survey, 27 said they had introduced or were in the process of considering default 20mph zones, while six were awaiting new guidelines from the Department for Transport (DfT).

A poll found public backing for a blanket 20mph limit in built-up areas has reached more than 60 per cent, with support particularly strong among women, younger people and pensioners.

Eight million people are already living in authorities where 20mph limits are in operation, including some in the Yorkshire region. Sheffield was among the first local authorities to adopt 20mph zones and others have followed, including York.

The move comes after official figures released in August showed road casualties in 20mph zones increased by almost a quarter in 2011. The number of people killed or injured on roads in built-up areas with a speed limit of 20mph totalled 2,262 in 2011, up by 24 per cent from 2010.

Meanwhile casualties on 30mph roads were down by one per cent from 2010, recorded at 125,494 in 2011, according to data from the DfT.

Transport minister Norman Baker said at the time that local authorities were best placed to make the decision on whether or not to impose 20mph limits in certain areas.

“British Medical Journal research has shown a reduction in casualties and collision of around 40 per cent, a reduction in children killed or seriously injured of 50 per cent and reduction in casualties among cyclists by 17 per cent,” he said.

“That is why we believe 20mph speed limits are useful in certain residential areas and support their introduction where it can be shown that they benefit road safety.”